BISHOP Auckland Schools skipper Richard Langthorne fired his team up for the crucial second leg of the English Schools Trophy by declaring: "If we play to our best no team in the country can stop us."

Bishops' Under-15s face Portsmouth in the return leg of the schoolboy equivalent of the FA Cup final on Tuesday evening. The game is being played at Premiership Portsmouth's Fratton Park ground and the North-East side must overcome a one goal deficit after losing the first leg 1-0 at Durham's Archibalds Stadium at the end of last month.

Pompey played well, but Bishops could and should have at least found themselves on level terms. Unfortunately, though they fashioned several gilt-edged chances their forward line was unable to convert and the opportunities went begging.

In order to turn things around they need to address this profligacy and captain Langthorne believes his side will.

"I am looking forward to it," he said. "I really hope we can win and I think we have got a cracking chance.

"I think they really played well in the first leg and I don't think we played well at all. Hopefully, we can lift it for the second leg.

"We didn't play to our potential at all. I don't like to point the finger but we didn't finish our chances. Maybe the occasion got to a few people."

Certainly, playing the opening game in their own backyard proved a double-edged sword. While the packed crowd was there cheer on their favourites, it is fair to say the players felt a weight of expectation on their young shoulders. At Portsmouth that should not apply.

"There was pressure on us at Durham," Langthorne said. "But I think the pressure will be on them at Fratton Park.

"We have won the quarters and the semis away from home. We are good on the road and the (semi-final) win at Liverpool was really against the odds.

"They are the favourites so we have got nothing to fear."

Langthorne knows that he and his teammates have to come out of the blocks quickly and unsettle their opponents if they are to bring the trophy back North.

"I think we need to go and attack a bit more because we need a goal in the first half if we are to stand any chance," said the stocky centreback.

"We have all got to be up for it and if we play to our best there is no team in the country that can stop us I don't think.

"If we play our best we can easily score two or three goals. Hopefully, we can keep it tight at the back. We haven't conceded too many goals throughout the competition so hopefully we can keep a clean sheet as well."

Bishops' boys have been together for the past two years but next week's match is likely to be their swansong.

"This will probably be the last game for everyone so that's a good thing to have in your mind beforehand," said Langthorne.

"But I am very proud, win or lose. It would be fantastic to win but whatever happens we have done really well and I am really proud of the whole team."